"Perverted Spiritualistic Forces" - John Humphrey Noyes versus William Hepworth Dixon in the Victorian Press
A Communities In Conversation Program
Beginning in the 1830s, Oneida Community founder John Humphrey Noyes successfully used the press to spread word of his religious and social innovations, and OC serial publications shaped the community's public image well into the 1860s. However, when English journalist William Hepworth Dixon published a scathing, demeaning account of the OC, it marked a turning point for Noyes.
The result? A very public print war, conducted in newspapers and pamphlets, that troubled Noyes for years to come.
This illustrated lecture recounts the fascinating story of media manipulation, reputation management, and a transatlantic scandal which titillated the Victorian imagination on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean.
About the Speaker
Christian Goodwillie is director and curator of special collections at the Burke Library of Hamilton College in Clinton, New York. He also serves as Editor of the Richard W. Couper Press. Goodwillie received his MS in Historic Preservation from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 2001. From 2001-2009 he was Curator of Collections at Hancock Shaker Village. He has also served as president of the Communal Studies Association. Goodwillie has authored, co-authored, or edited twelve books and numerous articles on the Shakers, Freemasonry, and other topics. His most recent book is Richard McNemar: Frontier Heretic and Shaker Apostle.
Secure your virtual seat today for this program or save over 20% by locking in the entire series today and be part of the conversation!
This program offers both in-person and virtual (Zoom) attendance options. Regardless of your choice, all registered participants will receive the Zoom link. Additionally, a recording of the event will be emailed to everyone a few days after the program.
All proceeds support the preservation of the Oneida Community Mansion House and its educational programs.
